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Nestling birds are adorable but also shockingly tough! They grow up facing many challenges, including intense temperatures, sneaky predators and constant hunger. Here, two members of the Project Phoebe research team use an extension ladder to check on the Black Phoebe nestlings shown above who grew up in a mud nest built under a road. The nestlings are visually inspected, weighed and measured to keep track of their health and development.

[Photos by Sage Madden, caption by Ian Ramshorn Haliburton]

Editor’s Note: Remember that wildlife, including baby birds, should only be handled by trained individuals with special permits! Only handle baby birds if you see they have fallen out of their nest and you are in a position to help; contrary to popular myths, they can be gently returned to their nest, and their parents will continue to take care of them! (Source)

[Edited by Ian Ramshorn Haliburton]